Description
What are Fractals, where can we find them, and are they used in tech? This awesome video by MIT+ K-12 explores this awesome concept!
More info for the video above can be found at: https://ny.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/what-is-a-fractal-mit/what-is-a-fractal-mit/
This academic year STEAMwhiz students will learn about incredible patterns found in nature known as Fractals. They will explore the world around them and get inspired to create some beautiful art to unlock their creativity. Each semester they will build novel projects and learn new skills that will be finalized at the end of the year with a culminating project that puts everything together! For 2022-2023 the culminating project will be a an LCD display with tuning knobs that they can turn to zoom and modify the fractal patterns. They will write code to create fractal patterns and produce this wonder bit of physical computing art!
Check back here soon for details regarding the breakdown of what our students will be working on Fall, Winter, and Spring semesters of 2022-2023.
Explore Up
Nature inspired STEAM
Fractals in Nature
Patterns & Geometry
Fractals in Technology
Skill Up
Physical Computing
Robotics
Sensors
Analyzing Data
Coding Fundamentals
Python Programming
Build Up
Putting it All Together!
LCD Displaying Fractals
Zoom & Modify via Tuning Knobs
Code the Pattern using Python
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In-person Enrichment Program
Explore Up, Skill Up, and Build Up your child’s excitement for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math (STEAM) and accelerate the preparation needed for their future via STEAMwhiz programs; all developed here locally in Guilderland, NY, by our very own expert STEAM-TEAM!!
- A 1.15 hr/week, in-person lab for 11-weeks per semester, that will stimulate your children to use and develop their analytical and critical thinking skills
- Min. 3 students/Max. 6 students
- An additional weeks is included for makeups/class field trip! Field trip TBA
- Holidays and Schedule follow normal school schedule
Capital District Kids!!
- Ages 8-13 (Grouped developmentally)
- Little ‘Thinker & Doer’ Labs (ages 5.5-7 yrs old) Click Here
- After school and Homeschool hours
- The STEAMwhiz Lab is located in Guilderland, NY.
- Parents are welcome to watch the lab’s live stream (on-site or remotely),
- Many parents drop off and run errands with close access to Banks, Shopping, Coffee, Car Wash etc.
- 1.15 hours each week
- 11-weeks per semester
- 10 guided labs
- Additional bonus/make-up labs
Become the Problem Solvers of Tomorrow!!
- Prepare them for their 21st future not our past
- Think critically about the world around you through the lens of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Engineering, Tech, with the incorporation of Art & Mathematics
- Execute STEAMwhiz’s project-based problem solving methodology
- Explore the input-output-store-process model of a computer and how computers help humans solve problems
- Learn fundamental programming constructs and practices in multiple coding languages
- Explore the relationship between hardware and software
The ‘STEAM’ Team
STEAM-Team or Dream Team? 😉 This lab is taught by STEAMwhiz’s lead educator Allie Pulecio. She is certified in K-6th education, published STEM education work in a peer-reviewed journal, and has over 15 years of classroom experience and curriculum development. The lab is overseen by STEAMwhiz’s scientist Dr. Javier F. Pulecio (aka Dr. J) who holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences has worked as a physicist at premier U.S. research institutions, as well as an engineer at fortune 500 companies, and authored over a dozen publications in top-tier journals. Together they are driven by their passion to empower students to develop their analytical and critical thinking, necessary to prepare them for the future.
Our Method of Success
Eliminate the fear and allow our children the time and space to fail forward and succeed. The STEAMwhiz Method will help students build their confidence in themselves and their abilities through discovery, tests, creation, and analysis. STEAMwhiz kids will be able to embrace the idea that failures lead to opportunities to learn and grow. STEM/STEAM learning experiences offer amazing opportunities to develop powerful GROWTH MINDSET attributes, which are pivotal for success!
Prior Knowledge
Each lab is built upon the other. Students will be given the time necessary to develop new connections resulting in new learning. When instruction is not jumping from one new thing to the next, students can develop goals, take on challenges, learn from mistakes, practice new skills, persevere, and ultimately create a culminating “Show-What-You-Know” PBL unit (project-based learning).
Project-Based Learning
Project-based learning empowers students to seize control over their learning experiences, following their interests and passions as they address a driving question or challenge; through investigation and inquiry; student voice and choice; reflection; revision; and finally, a project to be shared and celebrated. As students work with one another to create projects to share, they become responsible for the assessment of their work. Project-based learning frees students from the anxiety of meeting the expectations of school and/or instructors while allowing them the agency to create using the meaning they’ve developed from their experiences. This is a powerful re-imagination of what is possible!
COVID-19 Safety
At STEAMwhiz we are guided by the best-known science and follow the most conservative, best practices to ensure your children and our educators are safe.
Sick/Symptomatic Guidelines – any child that shows any symptoms that are related to, been in contact with, or contracted COVID-19 please refer to the latest guidelines from the CDC. If you have any doubt please contact us before bringing your child.
HVAC system – The STEAMwhiz lab has a dedicated air handler that is constantly filtering air 24hr a day and 7 days a week. The MERV filters being used are rated eleven or better and have been tested in our labs to remove particles down to 0.1 microns (similar to N95 masks).
HEPA Filtertration System
Laboratory Decontamination – On top of the air being cleansed 24/7, the STEAMwhiz lab is decontaminated after every session. All hard surfaces are wiped down using a bleach solution and the lab is exposed to UVC radiation nightly.
Mask Policy – Optional *As of April 2022
Social distancing – There will be a maximum of 6 children per session in the lab and social distancing protocols will be followed.
